Rape Defense Lawyers, Greenwood, MO. Being accused of rape can turn your world upside down, and the charges have some of the harshest penalties in Missouri. Being called an alleged rapist can seem like a hopeless situation.
But it’s not. Allegations and charges aren’t convictions. And Combs Waterkotte is here to battle against negative outcomes.
We defend Greenwood, MO, residents’ rights and give them a proper defensive plan against any criminal charges. We’re available to talk about your case today—talk to us at (314) 900-HELP or fill out our contact form online now.
You need a leading defense attorney. Our rape and sexual assault defense lawyers will listen to your side of the story and build a defense around it. Reach out online or dial (314) 900-HELP to start today.
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Why You Need Combs Waterkotte’s Rape Defense Attorneys:
If you’ve been accused of rape in Greenwood, MO, you need a team of rape defense lawyers before you do anything else in your case. If you try to fight the charges without a lawyer, you’re potentially looking at the following:
- Prison Time. Second-degree rape and sodomy charges all potentially result in prison sentences of up to 7 years, while the first-degree offences can be as high as life in prison.
- Losing Your Rights. In Missouri, convicted felons lose several rights, most notably the right to vote, the right to own a gun, and certain employment rights. Depending on your situation, your parental rights may also be affected.
- Sex Offender Registration. If you’re convicted of rape, your name will likely be put on a public sex offender registry.
- Job Consequences. You can lose your job even before a conviction.
When you see the penalties for sexual assault in Missouri, it’s hard to even think of a plan to move forward. Because of this, you’ll need to hire Greenwood, MO, rape defense lawyers fast. And Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect you.
We take pride in offering the following when crafting your rape/sexual assault defense:
- A client-centered approach because it’s important to fully know your side of the story before building a defense.
- An accomplished team of rape defense lawyers who have experience with thousands of cases, many just like yours.
- A staunch defense that is ready for trial if your case goes that far.
- Effective, working relationships with prosecutors, which we will leverage when negotiating a plea deal if that can give you the positive outcomes you need.
Don’t wait while the prosecution builds a case against you—speak with us now at (314) 900-HELP to speak with one of our rape defense lawyers today.
Legal Videos
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …
Everything You Need To Know About Federal Criminal Charges
Featured on Hexxen Studios, Chris Combs and Andrew Russek sat down to talk about federal criminal charges. In this video, you can learn about different types of federal charges, how they differ …
What Happens When You Are Wrongfully Accused of a Sex Crime?
What happens when you are wrongfully accused of a sex crime? Episode Transcript Steve Waterkotte: Right. And you'll see sometimes, and I've had cases, where you had two individuals …
Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use Versus Greenwood, MO Rape Charges:
Combs Waterkotte’s Greenwood rape defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of Missouri rape and sexual assault laws, and effective ways to fight against them:
- Consent: In some rape cases, the question is not whether sexual activity occurred, but whether it was consensual.
- Alibi: In cases of mistaken identity or outright false allegations, an alibi can prove that you were elsewhere at the time.
- Physical Evidence: DNA, medical reports, location data, and more can all be key in establishing a narrative of events.
- Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment Rights Violations: Sometimes, something goes wrong with the state’s investigation or how they handle the evidence—that can lead to it being thrown out for rights violations.
Each case is unique, and each defense needs to be tailored to the specifics of the case. At Combs Waterkotte, we craft the finest defense possible for your circumstances and will give you honest, helpful advice on how to move forward.
What’s the Difference Between Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sodomy in Greenwood, MO?
When most people think of rape, the prototypical image would be someone being physically forced to have nonconsensual sex. But Missouri rape law distinguishes statutory and forcible rape, and categorizes certain acts as sodomy instead of rape.
We’ve outlined the different Greenwood, MO, criminal charges you could be facing when accused of ‘rape:’
First Degree Rape:
First Degree Rape is defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 566.030 as having sexual intercourse with another person who is incapable of consent, or coercing them to have sex with force or threats of force (this also includes drugging them while they are unaware).
First-degree rape is the main criminal charge that most people think of when they hear “rape.”
Second Degree Rape:
Second Degree Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.031 as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person who does not consent, and you’re aware that they do not.
Compared to first-degree rape charges, the difference is that the alleged victim is capable of consenting, but states that they did not.
First Degree Statutory Rape:
First Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.032 as having sex with someone younger than fourteen years old.
What makes this different from first-degree rape is that the alleged victim could have voluntarily agreed to have sex (this would not count as consent, legally).
Second Degree Statutory Rape:
Second Degree Statutory Rape is defined in RSMo § 566.034 as having sex with someone younger than seventeen years old while being older than twenty-one.
The difference between first-degree and second-degree statutory rape is the age range. It’s also important to be aware that Missouri has special ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws having to do with sexual activity with individuals from fourteen to sixteen.
First Degree Sodomy:
First Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.060 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with a personor otherwise penetrating an individual, and this is done while that individual is unable to consent, or is made to do so by force.
This is very similar to first-degree rape charges; the only difference is the alleged type of act performed.
Second Degree Sodomy:
Second Degree Sodomy is defined in RSMo § 566.061 as participating in either oral, anal, or digital sex with another person or otherwise penetrating someone, when the alleged victim states that they did not give consent.
In parallel to second-degree rape, the difference between first-degree sodomy and second-degree sodomy is that the alleged victim had the capacity to consent, but did not for that instance/act.
While the details of the alleged crime and the penalties all vary, one common trend is the lack of consent. Missouri defines consent for sex as an affirmative, voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity from all relevant individuals who are capable of giving consent. Obtaining clear consent is important prior to proceeding with any sexual activity.
Combs Waterkotte’s Greenwood rape defense lawyers will defend you against all of the above charges and any other sexual assault allegations you may be charged with.
Common Greenwood, MO Misconceptions About Rape:
“Without proof, the police in Greenwood won’t arrest you for rape.”
The Reality: If there’s no physical evidence, that can hurt the state’s chances of getting a conviction. However,, if the police have probable cause (which only has to be alleged victim testimony), they can make an arrest.
“You don’t need a lawyer if you’re innocent.”
The Reality: Whatever the circumstances, it’s critical to have an expert team of rape defense lawyers watching out for your interests, whether you’re innocent or guilty. You don’t want to face a complex legal system alone or make a mistake that unintentionally makes you look guilty.
“It’s illegal to have sex with someone under 17 in Missouri.”
The Reality: This misconception is rooted in truth, because 17 is in fact the age of consent in Missouri. However, the state does have ‘Romeo and Juliet’ laws which legalize sex between someone aged 14-16 and another person up to four years older.
“If someone’s had any alcohol, they can’t legally give consent.”
The Reality: While there are some cases where a person objectively cannot consent, such as if they are unconscious, there isn’t a legal definition of being too drunk to consent. That said, if you have even the slightest suspicion that someone has had too much to drink, don’t have sex.
Combs Waterkotte Defends Against Rape Charges in Greenwood, MO. Combs Waterkotte Will Defend You.
Being accused of rape is traumatizing. And fighting against it on your own is hard. But you don’t have to go it alone. You can have Combs Waterkotte fighting for your freedom.
We don’t charge by the hour, so you can get in touch with us 24/7 if you need something for your case. Our rape defense lawyers know what it takes to build a stellar defense against these charges. And we’re ready to take your case.
Talk to us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
